18 Comments
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Mary's avatar

You gave the advice I need at the perfect time. Thanks so much.

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Jack Hopkins's avatar

I love hearing this, Mary! You're welcome.

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Julie  Stokes's avatar

Thank you 😊 . I have a tendency to worry, but am also by nature, a problem solver. I need to think more in terms of concerning vs worry. Love your articles ❤️

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Jack Hopkins's avatar

Thank you, Julie. Yes...You ARE a problem solver. That...is the key for you. Stay in active problem-solving mode!!

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Jackie Roberts's avatar

Wow. I really needed to read this today. Thank you. I lived overseas many years and have lived under dictatorships. I lived in Argentina a long time - part of that time was during the “Dirty War” when students and others who were dissidents were simply picked up and never seen again. (There is a movie on Amazon called Argentina 1982 that is based on the true story of the lawyer who took those in the military to court and won) Worth the watch - it is what is happening here.

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Jack Hopkins's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this, Jackie...your perspective is incredibly valuable...and I’m really grateful you brought it here.

Having lived through that kind of regime firsthand...you know exactly what the warning signs look like...and sadly...so much of what you’re describing feels eerily familiar to what we’re facing now.

It’s sobering, but also a reminder that people have stood up to this before...and they’ve fought back and won.

Thank you for recommending Argentina, 1985—I’ll make sure to watch it. Stories like that are powerful because they show us that even in the darkest times...it’s possible to push back. I’m glad this piece landed with you today...you’re not alone in this fight. I’m so grateful you’re here.

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Wende Wylie's avatar

I found Argentina 1985 full movie on YouTube for those not using amazon.

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Jackie Roberts's avatar

So glad you found it because many don’t have Prime.

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Dr. Julia Hoffman’s Sister's avatar

Thanks, Jack🤘

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Jack Hopkins's avatar

Certainly. :)

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Cherae Stone's avatar

Boy, did this article trigger a memory! This very shift was triggered in my young mind by a trusted employer who told me that I could handle what seemed like an unmanageable relationship with an older coworker. He told me I was pragmatic enough to handle it on my own and to continue to introduce ideas that could shift attitudes toward positive change that had needed to happen for years.

Pragmatic. A good word. Thanks for reminding me.

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Jack Hopkins's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this...what a powerful memory!

It’s amazing how moments like that can shape the way we carry ourselves for years to come. Being told we’re capable...being trusted to handle something hard...can flip a switch that never fully flips back.

And you’re right, pragmatic is such a good word. It’s steady. It’s clear-eyed. It’s about moving forward even when the situation isn’t perfect. I’m so glad this article brought that memory back to you...and I’m grateful you’re here to share it.

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Sheila's avatar

What do you do about the after effects - after the people are safe and the fire is extinguished and the adrenaline drops? I hibernate which helps but is hard to come out of.

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Jack Hopkins's avatar

Thank you so much for this...Sheila....what a thoughtful and honest question.

You’re absolutely right: it’s one thing to get through the crisis...but what happens after the adrenaline fades is its own battle.

The quiet after the storm can be disorienting...even heavy...and hibernating makes total sense...it’s a way to feel safe, to recharge...to put distance between you and all that intensity.

The hard part, like you said... is coming back out.

Sometimes it helps to start with really small...low-stakes steps...tiny routines..tiny conversations...no big leaps.

Just little anchors that gently pull you back to connection and forward motion. There’s no rush...and there’s no “right” timeline. What matters is recognizing that coming out of hibernation is a process...not a flip of a switch.

Thank you for sharing this...it really resonated. You’re not alone in this. I’m so grateful you’re here.

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Libby G's avatar

So valuable for this moment.

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Jack Hopkins's avatar

Thank you, Libby:)

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Greg Albrecht's avatar

Spot on as always, Jack. I only worry about trivial stuff. Like running out of gas in the middle of nowhere. And that's ridiculous.

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Jack Hopkins's avatar

Glad it resonated with you, Greg!

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